Page 184 - Freshwater-Biology-and-Ecology-Handbook

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CHAPTER 4 1 INTRODUCTION

The standard methods leading to status classification The methods shown are a sub-set of those available
described in Chapters 2 and 3 are not always and can be used to investigate a wide range of river
appropriate for investigative monitoring and it is these morphologies, including some specialist niche habitats.
other methods that are described in this chapter. A number of UK experts have contributed to this chapter,
sharing their specialist expertise and experience.
This chapter provides a number of monitoring methods
for rivers and streams that cannot be assessed using Variations on these approaches can be developed to
our current classification methods. The methods are meet specific needs and to address issues of interest in
generally used for Specialist Investigative Monitoring a wide range of riverine habitats.
surveys. These may relate to a specific pollution
incident impacting on a particular riverine habitat, Figure 4.1 shows where these methods fit into the
gathering background information within a complex monitoring and assessment cycle.
catchment, or for scientific investigation.

We aim for consistency and reproducibility within the
methods, so that comparisons can be made. This
information is not generally suitable for classification,
but may complement formal RIVPACS or other
monitoring programmes.

Sampling interstitial habitats Sampling subterranean streams
by John Davy-Bowker by Lee Knight

3.2 3.3

Sampling exposed river sediments Sampling from intermittent rivers
and riparian zones and ephemeral streams
by Jon Webb, Natural England and by Judy England,
Nick Mott, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Environment Agency
3.4 3.5

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